The GSPCA has rescued a sixth grey seal pup in less than six weeks, with the poorly mammals making good use of a temporary enclosure at the animal shelter while they gain strength.
‘Iceberg Lettuce’ was first spotted struggling in St Peter Port Harbour last weekend, and was monitored before being collected by the charity on Tuesday night.
Head of Marine Mammals at the GSPCA, Geoff George has estimated her weight is only around 20kgs, which is less than half what it should be for her estimated age.
“We were hoping a mum was near by and the pup would return to sea with her but sadly we have had no adult sightings and on Tuesday night we got a call around 10pm that the pup was on the slip way by the Boat House,” he explained.
“The rescue of the poorly pup was the shortest distance I have ever had to walk from the GSPCA Ambulance and she is extremely poorly.
“We have called the new pup Iceberg Lettuce and she is only 20kgs, so half the ideal weight, in a very vulnerable position and very dehydrated.
“She is doing well in our temporary intensive care area, but she has a long road to recovery.”
The charity is in the middle of rebuilding its head quarters in St Andrew’s.
The multi million pound ‘Big Build’ will see new catteries and dog kennels, aviaries, small animal enclosures, space for wildlife, and a new marine centre among the facilities.
The former marine enclosure – which was used to help more than 40 seals over 14 years – was demolished last year, but the GSPCA has continued to help seal pups struggling in the wintry conditions.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said his staff and volunteers are committed to doing all they can to help.
“Iceberg Lettuce joins the other five Guernsey grey seal pups all of which are receiving 24/7 care with Geoff and the team,” he explained.
“There is a good chance Storm Goretti and the recent high winds has helped caused many of the pups to get separated from their mothers earlier than they should, and without the mothers rich milk they loose condition very quickly.
“All the pups are in our temporary seal pup area that we have made while our new wildlife hospital continues to be built and it has filled very quickly,” he added.
“All the pups are very poorly and should, for their age of around 2-6 weeks, see a weight over 40kgs ideally.
“We are at the start of the seal pup season and with the stormy weather this time of year we have no doubt there will be others needing our help and if you do see a seal in trouble please call us on 257261,” Mr Byrne said.
“Although we don’t have our traditional seal facilities as they were demolished earlier this year, we have created a fantastic area while the Wildlife Hospital is being built.
“The Wildlife Hospital is part of the biggest build in our history and we really need your support and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggest-build-appeal.”